Dani Alveshttps://www.danialvesfan.com
enBarcelona boss insists Lionel Messi will return to Argentina dutyhttps://www.danialvesfan.com/barcelona-boss-insists-lionel-messi-will-return-argentina-duty
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Barcelona head coach Ernesto Valverde has indicated that Lionel Messi will eventually make his comeback with Argentina after an extended rest. The Blaugrana forward has personally asked to be excluded from recent call-ups to the national team but Valverde believes the Argentine will return to the country’s mix sooner rather than later.</p>
<p></p><center><img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DqAXJwUX4AAaNW_.jpg" width="500" /></center>
<p>In a report covered by ESPN FC, Valverde indicated that Messi’s non-involvement with Argentina is only a positive for the club but he does not see this happening in the long-run, he said: “If Messi doesn't go to the national team, he can be more rested for Barcelona. But we know that he wants to go to the national team, and he will go. The best news for Barcelona is, if Messi goes to the national team, that he is happy, and that is what we want to happen. We want him to do well wherever he is, and what he wants is to do many things with the Argentina national team.”</p>
<p><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44570451"><br />
“Messi had been placed under immense pressure from the Argentine faithful before the start of the summer World Cup with many believing that the tournament“</a>could be the final one for him, should he fail to win a major international trophy. However, to the country’s disappointment, Argentina were ousted within the round of 16 stage where they were beaten by eventual champions France and Messi has thereafter <a href="https://www.gabrielheinze.com/heinze-believes-united-will-recover/">“stayed away from national“</a>team selection.</p>
<p>While there has been speculation that Messi may never feature again for Argentina, caretaker boss Lionel Scaloni has recently cited that the attacker has yet to make such a decision and he could return to the fray before the Copa America next summer. Messi has once more shone for Barcelona since the new season began and he most recently bagged a brace during their 4-2 Champions League triumph over Tottenham Hotspur on the road.</p>
</div></div></div>Thu, 25 Oct 2018 11:25:02 +0000content94 at https://www.danialvesfan.comDani Alves backs Lionel Messi after ‘The Best’ omissionhttps://www.danialvesfan.com/dani-alves-backs-lionel-messi-after-%E2%80%98-best%E2%80%99-omission
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Paris Saint-Germain star Dani Alves has backed former teammate Lionel Messi after he was shockingly omitted from The Best awards shortlist by FIFA. Mohamed Salah, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Luka Modric were named as the nominees for the accolade but Alves believes it is unjust for Messi to be excluded after what he had achieved with Barcelona last term.</p>
<p></p><center><img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DqAXJwUX4AAaNW_.jpg" width="500" /></center>
<p>Speaking to reporters, Alves indicated that the exclusion was unfair to his former Barcelona teammate and believed that the voting panel were more focused on his international performance rather than considering the club form into regard, he said: “It's unjust that Messi was not nominated for The Best, It's not just that they have only looked at what he has done with Argentina and not what he has done with Barcelona.”</p>
<p>Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38161982">“Spain manager Luis Enrique also shared a similar opinion on Messi whom he had coached at Barcelona between 2013 and 2016“</a> and suggested that the Argentine should have won the award outright if the World Cup performances of Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic are not taken into regard, he said: “If I have to talk about Croatia, I would talk about Modric and [Ivan] Rakitic. Either of the two could receive any award. He is a step ahead of <a href="https://www.danialvesfan.com/thomas-tuchel-expects-edinson-cavani-remain-paris-saintgermain">“all the other players“</a>. If we're talking about trophies, that's something else. That's my opinion.”</p>
<p>Messi was criticised in the aftermath of Argentina’s round of 16 exit at the summer of World Cup but he has since returned to his usual self with Barcelona for whom he has already contributed eight goals from eight matches. Nonetheless, the Blaugrana don’t seem to possess the defensive surety which was widely present during the previous league campaign and they have recently suffered a dip in form with a draw and a defeat to Girona and Leganes respectively. Barcelona are currently top of fierce rivals Real Madrid with a superior goal difference.</p>
</div></div></div>Thu, 25 Oct 2018 11:19:07 +0000content93 at https://www.danialvesfan.comThomas Tuchel expects Edinson Cavani to remain with Paris Saint-Germainhttps://www.danialvesfan.com/thomas-tuchel-expects-edinson-cavani-remain-paris-saintgermain
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Paris Saint-Germain manager Thomas Tuchel has spoken about the importance of Edinson Cavani to the team and does not believe the Uruguayan will leave the club during the ongoing transfer window. Speaking to reporters, Tuchel refuted the ongoing speculation regarding Cavani’s future and expects the marksman to return for the final part of pre-season, he said: “This is my feeling and I have not heard such a thing [that Cavani wants to leave]. I spoke to him and he didn't mention anything. He said he is looking forward to joining us [in pre-season]. He is a key player for us.”</p>
<p></p><center><img src="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/galleries/x701/141815.jpg" width="500" /></center>
<p>Meanwhile, there has been plenty of gossip associating Tuchel with a reunion with Julian Weigl but the former Borussia Dortmund head coach has dismissed any sort of agreement, he added: “He's agreed with us? No, no, that's not the fact, as far as I know. And I hope I know what is going on! "Of course, there are rumours since I signed here because he was the kind of player that joined with me in Dortmund and had a great career and great development.”</p>
<p>Paris Saint-Germain grabbed most of the headlines during the previous summer after they spent massive sums to recruit the likes of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. However, the current transfer window has been the complete opposite and much of this could be associated with the need to balance the financial books.</p>
<p>Despite this, there are understood to be keen on bolstering the heart of the midfield and<a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/08/06/transfer-window-climax-key-figures-will-feature-ahead-deadline/">“ a move for Weigl may yet materialise during the dying stages of the transfer window. “</a> According to Paris United, the German ace is seemingly keen on a move to Parc des Princes but the deal may depend on how quickly Axel Witsel joins Dortmund from Chinese Super League side Tianjin Quanjian. Weigl has made 126 appearances for Dortmund across all competitions.</p>
</div></div></div>Mon, 10 Sep 2018 02:40:34 +0000content92 at https://www.danialvesfan.comBernardo hoping for Brazil chance after Premier League movehttps://www.danialvesfan.com/bernardo-hoping-brazil-chance-after-premier-league-move
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Brighton &amp; Hove Albion’s new signing Bernardo is hoping to catch the eye of Brazilian coach Tite after making the switch to the Premier League. The 23-year-old managed nearly 50 appearances for RB Leipzig without getting recognition from the national team and he is hoping for a change of luck having made the move to the English top-flight.</p>
<p></p><center><img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DkeX_9yW4AAzeEF.jpg" width="500" /></center>
<p>He said: “It's (Leipzig) a small club but it reached second place in the Bundesliga and I was not even on the radar. I was a player that played many matches, but my name was not even being speculated. Richarlison, from Watford, he is playing for a good club but not in the top six. Everyone is now talking about Richarlison, so the Premier League brings you to another level, because everyone is watching it. "The staff from the national team put on the Premier League. In the Premier League you just have to do your thing, because people are watching you.”</p>
<p>Brighton were one of the surprise packages during the previous campaign where they managed to pick up victories to stay adrift of the relegation zone but they eventually ended<br />
<a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2747216-epl-table-saturdays-week-15-results-scores-and-2017-premier-league-standings"> a respectable 15th in the standings with 40 points. </a><br />
Despite the achievement, they can expect a much difficult challenge this time around, considering newcomers Wolves and Fulham came into the Premier League with a better calibre of young players within their squad.</p>
<p>Both teams flourished in the Championship with a number of players who have been touted for Premier League moves and Brighton could be facing a long relegation battle, should they make a slow start to the upcoming campaign. Chris Hughton’s side begin their season with a potentially winnable game against Watford on the road but they thereafter have to face tough-looking challenges versus Manchester United and Liverpool, though they beat the former by a 1-0 scoreline last season.</p>
</div></div></div>Mon, 13 Aug 2018 12:00:24 +0000content91 at https://www.danialvesfan.comBrazil coach explains Fred’s failure to make a World Cup appearancehttps://www.danialvesfan.com/brazil-coach-explains-fred%E2%80%99s-failure-make-world-cup-appearance
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Brazil head coach Tite has revealed that he could not utilise the services of Fred at the World Cup after the midfielder failed to completely recover from an ankle problem. The 25-year-old sustained the damage after a rash tackle from Casemiro leading into the tournament and despite remaining with the squad, he could not garner a single minute on the playing field.</p>
<p></p><center><img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/AvaqzoACEAALwWS.jpg" width="500" /></center>
<p>Speaking after the Belgium defeat, Tite confirmed that Fred could not participate at the World Cup after he failed to make a complete recovery from the problem, he said: “Fred had a problem with his injury and failed to make a full recovery. In general and physical terms, the team flew. It was not the physical aspect that was decisive in defeat.”</p>
<p>The Selecao were regarded as the front-runners to secure the World Cup crown after their impressive form leading into the tournament. However, they appeared to show a lack of clinical nature in front of goal which hampered them from the off and they were eventually outwit by Belgium, who scored a 2-1 triumph over them at the quarter-final stage.</p>
<p>With the result, Brazil’s wait for another World Cup crown has been extended until the summer of 2020 at least and it will be interesting to see how the future paves for the current crop of players. The likes of Thiago Silva and Fernandinho are expected to hand up their international boots soon with their trailing age but the future remains bright with several young players coming through the ranks.</p>
<p>Whilst Philippe Coutinho and Neymar have already established themselves as house-hold names and there have been plenty of young talents including Arthur, who have made the step to European football and the next couple of years should help in establishing a young squad capable of winning the World Cup in Qatar.</p>
</div></div></div>Thu, 26 Jul 2018 15:03:34 +0000content90 at https://www.danialvesfan.comMarc-Ander Ter Stegen sends classy message to Dani Alveshttps://www.danialvesfan.com/marcander-ter-stegen-sends-classy-message-dani-alves
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Ander Ter Stegen has sent a classy message to former teammate Dani Alves after the Brazilian was ruled out of the summer World Cup. Alves sustained anterior cruciate ligament damage to his right knee during the Coupe de France final for Paris Saint-Germain and the club have now confirmed that he will be out for the long-term with a surgery required.</p>
<p></p><center><img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DhMF0XqXUAM5zYM.jpg:large" width="500" /></center>
<p>As such, a number of current and former players have shown their sympathy towards the Brazil international and Ter Stegen did the same on Twitter, posting: “Not just football will miss you at the @FIFAWorldCup , also your good crazy mood @DaniAlvesD2 ! There’s never a good time to get injured, but keep your head high + positive mind as you always do. You will be back in no time to keep lifting trophies!”</p>
<p>Alves had been expecting to play a key role for Brazil at the World Cup finals but he will now instead have an operation on the damage which is scheduled for mid-June. In his absence, Manchester City’s Danilo appears the prime choice to start on the right side of the defence irrespective of his restricted gametime during the previous campaign.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Ter Stegen has also been picked by Joachim Loew for Germany’s defence of the World Cup title but the goalkeeper is likely to play second fiddle to Manuel Neuer during the tournament. A couple of weeks back, there were doubts whether Neuer would even be picked but the 32-year-old managed to impress on his comeback friendly against Austria, which Germany lost by a surprise 2-1 scoreline despite opening the scoresheet.</p>
<p>Brazil and Germany have been highlighted among the World Cup favourites alongside Spain but they are doubts whether La Roja can motivate themselves following the recent happenings. The Spanish FA took the surprise decision to sack Julen Lopetegui on the eve of the World Cup and it will be interesting to see how they will fare at the tournament.</p>
</div></div></div>Fri, 20 Jul 2018 11:52:44 +0000content89 at https://www.danialvesfan.comDani Alves delivers reaction following his nasty knee injuryhttps://www.danialvesfan.com/dani-alves-delivers-reaction-following-his-nasty-knee-injury
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Paris Saint-Germain defender Dani Alves has revealed that he cried only one after it was known that he had suffered a long-term knee injury. The 35-year-old had been dreaming of winning the World Cup with Brazil this summer but unfortunately, he would be playing no part after the doctors confirmed that he would require a surgery to rectify the problem.</p>
<p></p><center><img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DJiOTM2WAAA8rIs.jpg:large" width="500" /></center>
<p>In a report on the Players’ Tribune, he said: “I only cried one time, when I was by myself. And let me tell you something — I don’t want anybody to cry for me. I don’t want anybody to feel sorry for me. I have lived my dreams.I don’t consider myself a veteran. As you can see, my spirit is about 13 years old. Who knows, maybe when the 2022 World Cup comes around, I will still be competing for a place on the team. My body will be 39, but my spirit will have only turned 17.”</p>
<p>Alves has managed to win every trophy within reach in Europe and winning the World Cup with Brazil would surely have topped the lot. Nevertheless, the right-back is not giving up on representing Brazil at the 2022 World Cup finals, though this may be regarded improbable, considering his trailing age and the talent pool available from the South American nation.</p>
<p>At present, Brazil are regarded as the favourites to lift the World Cup and there are not much surprises to this fact, considering they recently managed to beat holders Germany in an international friendly in Berlin. Brazil have been pitted against Costa Rica, Switzerland and Serbia in Group E of this summer’s World Cup and judging by their recent performances, they should manage to top their group with ease, though many crazier things have happened in the past editions of the global tournament.</p>
</div></div></div>Mon, 02 Jul 2018 16:05:11 +0000content88 at https://www.danialvesfan.comDani Alves Plays Down Prospect Of Barcelona Returnhttps://www.danialvesfan.com/dani-alves-plays-down-prospect-barcelona-return
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Paris Saint-Germain defender Dani Alves has played down the ongoing speculation linking him with a return to Barcelona during the summer. The 34-year-old recently suggested that Barcelona is his home and this spread speculation of him making a comeback after a couple of years away from the Camp Nou.</p>
<p></p><center><img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DUuFcx_XkAASErP.jpg" width="500" /></center>
<p>However, in an Instagram post, Alves was clear to re-clarify his statement, he penned: “Me going back to Barcelona? Calm down, my friends! I know that you miss me, and that life without 'Good Crazy' is difficult, and that AS, Marca, and Central Lechera also miss me. However, even if our history was very beautiful and very long, speaking in football terms, it is already over. When I said that Barca is my home, that Barca is in my heart and that I would return tomorrow, it was just a declaration of the love that I feel towards this club. This chapter is already in the past. I am happy where I am, and I have a great challenge here with people who believe in the ability to change things.”</p>
<p>Alves enjoyed a highly successful period with Barcelona between 2008 and 2016 where he won six La Liga titles and three Champions League crowns but he has since moved on to pursue a fresh phase of his career. Shortly after leaving Barcelona, the Brazilian lasted for only one season with Juventus and he thereafter joined Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2017.</p>
<p>At Parc des Princes, Alves has established himself as the preferred pick for the right-back but it may not be long before he may pursue another challenge. His current Les Parisiens deal expires at the end of next season and he could thereafter seek a final payday in either the MLS or the Chinese Super League, which has built its reputation with several big-money signings.</p>
<p>Alves has contributed five goals and eight assists for <a href="http://www.espnfc.com/french-ligue-1/story/3518417/paris-saint-germain-confirm-dani-alves-knee-surgery-a-success">Paris Saint-Germain</a> this season and he will be hoping to maintain his form ahead of this summer’s World Cup finals in Russia. Alves is expected to feature in an experienced backline for Brazil and the South Americans are among the strong favourites to lift the crown.</p>
</div></div></div>Sat, 09 Jun 2018 10:14:33 +0000content87 at https://www.danialvesfan.comDani Alves Believes Philippe Coutinho Is At The Same Level As Neymarhttps://www.danialvesfan.com/dani-alves-believes-philippe-coutinho-same-level-neymar
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Dani Alves has praised compatriot Philippe Coutinho following Brazil’s 3-0 win over Russia in an international friendly. The Barcelona attacker score his ninth goal for the country in the fixture, and following the game, Alves was full of praise for the attacker, whom he compared to close friend and teammate Neymar.</p>
<p></p><center><img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dc7339IU0AElhIU.jpg" width="500" /></center>
<p>Speaking after the match, Alves said: “I think that Coutinho is a player who is on the same level as Ney, he has a massive influence on our game and in his teams. When he was in Liverpool and now in Barca, he has improved a lot and learned to read the game better, to make the right decisions.That is great to see, to play with such a good footballer who has that ability. There are others who are similar. We are lucky to play with great players and have them on our side is fantastic. We have to get the best out of them and build a solid team.”</p>
<p>Coutinho had been long linked with a switch to the Blaugrana, and the move was finally realised midway through the current season after the club agreed to pay a club-record £146m fee for his services. The Brazilian has since quickly integrated into the squad with three goals and as many assists, but he has to face the disappointment of not being able to play in the Champions League, where he is ineligible to feature.</p>
<p>Brazil will now turn their focus to an international friendly against Germany on Tuesday night, and the game will witness their meeting for the first time since the 2014 World Cup semi-final. The match was truly one to forget as Brazil were humbled by a 7-1 scoreline by eventual champions Germany, and they will be eyeing some sort of revenge in the friendly scheduled in Berlin. Coutinho unfortunately won’t face-off against teammate <a href="https://www.bundesliga.com/en/news/Bundesliga/ter-stegen-barcelona-borussia-monchengladbach-neuer-germany-world-cup-goalkeeper-480831.jsp">Marc-Andre TerStegen</a>, who has been ruled out for Germany with a minor knee problem.</p>
</div></div></div>Wed, 16 May 2018 05:53:52 +0000content86 at https://www.danialvesfan.comAndres Iniesta Suggests Neymar Could Pursue Real Madrid Movehttps://www.danialvesfan.com/andres-iniesta-suggests-neymar-could-pursue-real-madrid-move
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Barcelona midfielder <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/6213922/barcelona-superstar-andres-iniesta-batman/">Andres Iniesta</a> has responded to the ongoing speculation linking Neymar with a potential move to arch-rivals Real Madrid in the summer. The Brazil international only joined Paris Saint-Germain from Barca on a world-record deal in August, but talks have intensified over his future amid reports of unrest at the French capital.</p>
<p></p><center><img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DcdG0f2XUAY7i7G.jpg" width="500" /></center>
<p>Speaking ahead of Spain’s international friendly against Germany, Iniesta was quizzed about the Neymar situation to which he replied: “The truth is that the future of Neymar is not something I'm thinking about. Normally, when you leave a place, it's hard to come back, which is why I would be more surprised if Neymar returned to go to another team, but we'll see. If he signed, Madrid would sign one of the best in the world, but we - Barca - will continue with a template that I can better.”</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Iniesta was asked about his personal goals with Spain for whom he scored the winner at the 2010 World Cup. The 33-year-old has shown signs of regressing over the past year, and the Spaniard has admitted that the global tournament in Russia could be the final occasion when fans get to see him in action for La Roja.</p>
<p>Spain have overseen a difficult period which has included disappointments at the 2014 World Cup as well as Euro 2016, and under Julen Lopetegui, the nation have a different perspective, where they have seemingly abolished the use of the false nine. The likes of Cesc Fabregas and Iniesta have previously adapted well to the position, but the nature of the game has seen Spain opt for a genuine centre-forward upfront.</p>
<p>On the contrary, the defensive setup is pretty much the same from the previous World Cup, but goalkeeper David de Gea could make a key difference in Russia after having built up his reputation on making point-blank saves at club level.</p>
</div></div></div>Tue, 08 May 2018 07:16:03 +0000content85 at https://www.danialvesfan.com